Hey there! March is one of my favorite stretches of the year. We’re settling into our new year routines, spring is around the corner, and it’s such a good time to get out and start exploring what’s happening around town. If you’re new here, this is the Monthly Edit. It’s where I share what’s happening around town, a few local things I’m loving, and a simple market pulse for anyone who likes to stay in the loop. Easy to skim and always local to Dallas/Fort Worth and Ellis County. This past month flew by. Baseball season kicked off for both boys with practices starting up. I also attended my first Family Reunion conference with Keller Williams. Being in a room with 11,000 agents was incredible. The learning, growing, and stretching were just what I need to get this year going. Lastly, a friend and I hosted a “Nowhere to Wear” it party. Basically, everyone wears something that they never get the opportunity to wear. It can be a Halloween costume, a ball gown, old work uniform, or your wedding dress. I wore my wedding dress and it was so fun seeing what people wore! You can see the full video HERE. This past month I had a buyer relocate from out of state, a buyer close on an investment property, and a seller close on their home that they raised their kids in. All of these were different situations for buying and selling real estate and they all came with different challenges. With a lot of hard work, all were able to close and begin a new chapter in their lives. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, what is holding you back from having a no pressure conversation? Schedule a 15 minute phone call with me HERE.
☕ Fresh Market Coffee (Waxahachie) 🍳 Branded Burger Co. (Midlothian)A local favorite for burgers, loaded fries, and comfort food classics. Casual, family-friendly, and consistently good — the kind of place that solves the “where should we go that everyone will like?” debate fast. 🍽️ D Restaurant Latin Cuisine (Waxahachie) 🥧 Emporium Pies (Dallas — Bishop Arts)If you’re making a Dallas day trip, add a sweet stop at Emporium Pies in the Bishop Arts District. This place is known for creative, from-scratch pies with seasonal flavors and fun names — and it’s one of those spots that feels both local and destination-worthy. Perfect for:
Pair it with a walk through the neighborhood shops and murals and you’ve got an easy, low-stress Dallas outing to recommend to clients and friends.
🌷 Tulipalooza — (Waxahachie) 👔 North Ellis County Business Expo (Red Oak) 🐰 Spring Egg Hunt — (Midlothian) 🐄 Ellis County Livestock Show & Rodeo (Waxahachie)
What This Means for Buyers and SellersFebruary’s numbers show a market that’s steady — but shifting in some important ways. Across the MLS, we saw 13,548 new listings come to market (up 1.3% year-over-year) and 6,193 homes sold (down 17% year-over-year). Inventory is flowing, but buyers are being more selective. Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, with the average days on market at 75 days, up 5.6% from last year. Meanwhile, pricing continues to hold firm. The average sales price is $461,000 — up 1.6% year-over-year. So what does that tell us? On the Financing SideHere’s where things get interesting. Mortgage rates are currently sitting around 5.99%, officially at the lowest levels we’ve seen in more than three years. Mortgage News Daily noted that rates have not only reached long-term lows twice this week — they’ve held there with almost no volatility. Historically, when rates hit a yearly low, the following four business days typically fluctuate by about 0.07–0.08%. This week? Just a 0.01% range. That’s unusually stable — and stability builds confidence. What This MeansInventory is increasing. This is a more balanced market — but it’s also a strategic one. For buyers: You have more negotiating power than you did in peak frenzy years, and sub-6% rates create real opportunity. For sellers: Pricing correctly from day one and presenting well is critical. The homes that shine are the homes that sell. If you’re thinking about making a move this spring, this is one of the most stable rate environments we’ve seen in years — and that matters. If you’d like a hyper-local breakdown for your specific neighborhood (Ellis County especially 👀), I’m happy to pull those numbers for you.
Nicholas P. Sims Library | Waxahachie One of Ellis County’s most charming historic spaces is the Nicholas P. Sims Library — and it’s far more than just a place to check out books. Built in the early 1900s and designed in a beautiful neoclassical style, the building itself is a piece of living history. From the moment you walk up to the columned entrance, it feels stately and timeless — and once inside, the vintage details, symmetry, and quiet atmosphere make it feel like a step back into another era. Inside, you’ll find:
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down — whether you’re researching local history, introducing kids to a beautiful public space, or just taking a quiet reset in the middle of downtown Waxahachie. Even many longtime locals haven’t fully explored it, which makes it a perfect “have you ever been inside?” recommendation. Pair it with a walk around the square and a nearby coffee stop, and you’ve got an easy, low-cost, high-charm afternoon. If you love historic buildings, this one is absolutely worth wandering into at least once. Thanks for reading — I hope something on this list sparks your curiosity (or at least gives you a reason to sneak out for a coffee ☕). If you check out any of these spots or events, hit reply and tell me what you thought — I love sharing stories and tips from around our community! Warmly, Hannah
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